Back to School for Bobcats
New school year means new goals & resolutions! Explore this page and learn how you can be a sustainable Bobcat and set your intentions for a successful semester here at TXST!
Investment
Going to school is an investment into your future just like making more sustainable decisions are an investment into your life, your future, and an investment into communities' wellbeing & growth.
Sustainable Savings
Making eco-friendly choices isn't just beneficial for our planet, it's a win for your wallet too. We're challenging Bobcats to practice mindful consumption, thinking before buying. Try supporting local shops & markets for dorm & apartment essentials, swapping single-use materials for a reusable option, and borrowing or swapping items with friends.
Saving #1
Pack smart & planet-friendly! Opting for reusable containers and tote bags over cardboard boxes is a sustainable game-changer for students. Not only do reusable containers cut down on single-use waste, but they also save resources in the long run.
Saving #4
Ditch your single-use items! Our goal is to produce less waste, so why not opt for reusable options? Stainless steel water bottles, bamboo cutlery, silicone straws, and cloth napkins are all great alternatives to single-use materials, and they’ll last for years to come.
Saving #2
Borrow and swap items with friends & roommates! When you’re living with others, it’s best to share large appliances and cleaning supplies to avoid buying duplicates (i.e. blenders, toasters, coffee makers, cookware, televisions, printers).
Saving #5
Support the circular economy in San Marcos! Before you head to Walmart, H-E-B, or Target, ask yourself if a small business in town sells what you need. This will likely keep more cash in your pockets, while also pouring back into our community’s economy.
Saving #3
Refrain from purchasing trendy room décor! Most trends die down after a few weeks, which typically leads to an excess amount of waste. Rather than buying the latest TikTok obsession, get creative and repurpose something you already have. Decorate your walls with keepsakes and handwritten notes and use glass bottles or plastic containers as plant propagation stations!
Sustainability Tip
Every residence hall on campus provides access to a shared kitchen space with all necessary tools and provides cleaning supplies at the front desk
Encouraging a culture of mindful consumerism not only reduces personal expenses but also challenges us to place intention behind everything we purchase and promotes a more sustainable and resource-efficient lifestyle throughout the TXST community. Happy savings!
Getting from A to B
Did you know students could potentially spend up to $10,000 each year having a car in San Marcos? Leave your car keys at home, save money at the pump, and ride sustainably with active and alternative forms of transportation.
Bobcat Shuttle
Transportation Services provides shuttle service to Texas State students, faculty, staff, and the general public in San Marcos with 10 routes found on & off campus. You do not need to show your TXST ID or pay a fare.
Find your route and track the shuttle in real time!
SPIN Scooter Share
Looking for faster ways to get around campus? Try a scooter!
This dockless scooter share system lets you find and unlock a nearby scooter from your smartphone. Travel around campus without having to return the scooter to its original location.
Always wear a helmet and ride responsibly!
Biking & Active Transportation
San Marcos's bike and trail system connects more than 1,700 acres of parks, our pristine spring-fed river, the university, our historic downtown, and shopping.
Check out the on-campus Bike Cave to learn how to repair or ride your bike. The Bike Cave is a one-stop shop where you can purchase a bike and needed accessories, located in the Colorado building on the San Marcos campus.
SMTX THE BUS
SMTX THE BUS is a newer, cleaner, greener city bus system that will revolutionize San Marcos transit. The new buses double as a mobile office with free Wi-Fi on board. All buses are equipped with a bike rack for up to two bikes, space available on a first come first serve basis.
Sustainability Tip
Using forms of active transportation benefits both individual & community health and improves environmental quality. Biking, walking, and scootering reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease & reduces air pollutants, traffic noise, and harmful greenhouse gases
New San Marcos Residents
Not only are you a Bobcat here at TXST, but you are also a member of the San Marcos community. Explore these resources to get more involved with the greater San Marcos area.
Get Registered to Vote
How to Register to Vote
- Mail-In Application: Download and print a mail-in application. Postage is prepaid and already printed on the back of the form, so all you need to do is fill out the form, fold it up and mail it.
- In-Person Paper Application:
- Fill out a paper application provided by a certified VDR (Voter Deputy Registrar), who will sign your application and take it to the Hays County Elections Office for you. VDRs can often be found tabling on the Quad for different nonpartisan and partisan student organizations.
- Pick up a Voter Registration Card available at the front desk of all residence halls.
- Pick up a Voter Registration Card in the LBJ Student Center at the Texas State Info Desk (2nd floor) or the Student Involvement and Engagement desk (4th floor).
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Can I register to vote at a dorm address?
Yes! Your dorm address is your new San Marcos address and can be used to register to vote in Hays County. Be sure to include your Room and Bed number in your address when filling out your form, so it looks like this:
600 N LBJ Dr. Room 101A
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How can I check if I am registered / if my registration is updated?
You should receive a voter registration card in the mail with your updated address and registration information on it within 30 days of registering to vote. Keep this card in a safe place as proof of your registration. This card is not required to vote, but is helpful in proving you are indeed registered if you have problems at the polling site.
You can also find out if you are registered to vote by inputting your information into this site powered by the Texas Secretary of State: https://teamrv-mvp.sos.texas.gov/MVP/mvp.do
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Where can I vote?
You can vote at the on-campus polling location on the 3rd floor of the LBJ Student Center on the San Marcos campus.
More information on voting locations can be found on the Texas State Votes website.
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What materials should I bring to vote?
Bring 1 of the 7 approved forms of ID with you to the polls
- Texas Driver License
- Texas Election ID Certificate
- Texas Personal ID Card
- Texas Handgun License
- US Citizenship Certificate with Photo
- US Military ID Card
- US Passport
Local Sustainable Establishments
